October Park of the Month – Bunya Mountains National Park
Come along with Parks Connect to explore beautiful Bunya Mountains National Park (Dandabah Picnic Area) at our October Park of the Month.
On Saturday 31 October, we're heading into the ancient Araucaria forests for a full day of learning about native plants, birds, bunya nuts, and stargazing!
Explore Queensland's second-oldest National Park, whether you prefer:
- an advanced, guided plant walk to Pine Gorge Lookout, led by Professor Jennifer Firn
- a beginner-friendly “bird bingo” walk (binoculars provided), led by Bernice Seton
- a Ranger “roll or stroll” along the new wheelchair- and pram-accessible Bunya Bunya Loop, as QPWS Ranger Josh explains the complex ecosystems and conservation management of this extraordinary place
- a taste test and cooking demo for the iconic bunya nut, with Meg, Carol and Kay from Bunya Mountains Natural History Association
- closing out the evening by focusing on the moon and gazing at one of Queensland’s darkest night skies with astrophotographer Donna Glass.
There’s something for everyone, from 12:30 pm through to the evening session, so we recommend staying the night at the Dandabah camping area, right next door.
Book your campsite separately through QPWS.
Hurry, these tickets move fast.
Good to know
Highlights
- 7 hours 30 minutes
- ages 16+
- In-person
- Free parking
- Doors at 12:20 PM
Location
Dandabah Picnic Area, Bunya Mountains National Park
Bunya Avenue
Bunya Mountains, QLD 4405
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country & Safety Briefing
We'll start the day with an Acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners of Bunya Mountains National Park, a brief introduction to Parks Connect, and a safety briefing.
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Ranger "Roll or Stroll"
Understand more about the complex ecosystems of Bunya Mountains National Park and the work that goes into conserving them, as Ranger Josh shares insights about conservation management, whether warding off Phytophthora plant disease, managing fire, or containing invasive species. This session suits all ages and abilities and takes place along Dandabah’s new, wheelchair- and pram-accessible Bunya Bunya Loop.
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Guided Plant Walk with Professor Jennifer Firn (age 16+)
Walk through two distinct types of rainforest—a blend of habitats that makes Bunya Mountains National Park ecologically distinct—on this guided plant walk to Pine Gorge Lookout, led by Professor Jennifer Firn. Along the way, Jen will point out key plant species that distinguish each forest type, the remarkable ways they grow and adapt, and the stories hidden in the landscape around you, finishing at a "bald" near the Lookout and waterfall, before the return walk. Note: This is a 2.6-km return walk along a Grade 3 track, so sturdy footwear and a moderate degree of fitness are required.